La Mesa councilmembers are split over a proposed citywide e-bike restriction for children 11 and under, with a second hearing scheduled for Tuesday, according to NBC 7 San Diego.

The proposal is part of the San Diego Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program and passed its first vote without opposition about a month ago, NBC 7 reported. Since then, Councilmember Laura Lothian said families have raised concerns that the measure targets younger children while reckless riding by older teens remains the bigger problem.

Councilmember Genevieve Suzuki, who requested the ban, argued that waiting for more crashes would be reactive. She told NBC 7 that Heartland Fire and the La Mesa Police Department support the ordinance because first responders are seeing the safety risks.

The issue matters beyond La Mesa because e-bike rules are becoming a city-by-city question across East County. NBC 7 reported that Santee, Chula Vista and Carlsbad already have child e-bike restrictions in place, meaning Santee families may be watching whether neighboring La Mesa follows the same path.

If La Mesa approves the ordinance Tuesday, children would receive warnings for the first 60 days before potential $25 fines begin. Source: NBC 7 San Diego.